Healthy again, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is key to the Nets' success

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's return has been a boost to the Nets' defense. (AP)

After missing the entire preseason and the first three games of the regular season due to an offseason hip injury and paternity leave, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back and starting to find his groove. He played his best game of the short season Monday night against the Knicks, scoring 16 points on 8-of-15 shooting with a team-high seven rebounds and two blocks off the bench.

Hollis-Jefferson also played a season-high 27 minutes and looked healthy, which was one of the few bright spots in the Nets' loss to the Knicks. Coach Kenny Atkinson continues to use Hollis-Jefferson off the bench as he works his way back to full speed. That role should change once Hollis-Jefferson is at full strength, with the Nets aiming for a playoff spot this season.

The 23-year-old is coming off his best season in 2017-18 when he averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 68 games. He is also a strong defender, an asset that's been on display in his return to the Nets' lineup. His size and speed allow him to guard multiple positions, which eases the pressure for the other Nets defenders.

The Nets struggled on defense without Hollis-Jefferson (and DeMarre Caroll, who is still out due to injury) in the lineup as they allowed 113.3 points over the first three games to Detroit, New York and Indiana. In the next four games with Hollis-Jefferson, Brooklyn gave up 109.5 points per contest, a number that should continue to decline as he becomes healthier. That four-game stretch also included matchups with the defending-champion Warriors and a surging Pelicans team, making the defensive improvement even more notable.

In Hollis-Jefferson's first game this season, he helped the Nets hold the Cavaliers, who still have a speedy Collin Sexton and strong Kevin Love, to just 86 points. It was the lowest point total Brookyn has allowed since they gave up just 82 points to Atlanta in April 2017.

"It felt real good to get out there to compete with my brothers. It's really a great feeling," Hollis-Jefferson said after making his season debut.

The fourth-year forward has been a vital cog in the Nets' lineup for the past two seasons, and Brooklyn is just 4-16 in 20 games without him, dating back to last year. He's responsible for a 7.8 win share and a defensive field goal percentage of 46.8 over his career. No matter the stat, it's clear the Nets are better off with Hollis-Jefferson -- who contributes in every facet of the game -- at his best.

Rebounding is also a strong aspect of Hollis-Jefferson's game as he finished second on the team in defensive and total rebounds last season, only behind Carroll. With Carroll out indefinitely, Hollis-Jefferson's rebounding contributions will only grow more important.

Hollis-Jefferson is in the final year of his rookie contract and has a qualifying offer of $3.59 million for next season. The Nets picked up his option for this season last October and, given his value to the team, will almost certainly bring him back a year from now. Brooklyn could also seek to lock him up long-term.

After landing Hollis-Jefferson in a draft day trade with the TrailBlazers in 2015, the University of Arizona product has proven to be a shrewd pick-up by GM Sean Marks. Given his youth, value and diverse skillset on the court, Hollis-Jefferson figures to be an important part of the Nets' drive to build a championship contender in the next few seasons.